‘Anonymous’ hacks Syrian government website

DAMASCUS (BNO NEWS) — Members of a hacking group which calls itself ‘Anonymous’ on early Monday morning hacked a website of the Syrian government to support the uprising which is taking place in the country.

The website of the Syrian Ministry of Defense went offline on early Monday morning and was replaced with a page which showed a modified version of the 1932 green-white-black flag with three red stars. The star in the middle however was replaced with a headless character which represents the notorious hacking group Anonymous.

The bottom part of the website included a brief message, apparently written by those who carried out the hacking. “To the Syrian people: The world stands with you against the brutal regime of Bashar Al-Assad. Know that time and history are on your side - tyrants use violence because they have nothing else, and the more violent they are, the more fragile they become,” the message said.

It added: “We salute your determination to be non-violent in the face of the regime’s brutality, and admire your willingness to pursue justice, not mere revenge. All tyrants will fall, and thanks to your bravery Bashar Al-Assad is next.”

The posting also contained a message addressed to the Syrian military, which has been accused of violently cracking down on anti-government protesters. “To the Syrian military: You are responsible for protecting the Syrian people, and anyone who orders you to kill women, children, and the elderly deserves to be tried for treason. No outside enemy could do as much damage to Syria as Bashar Al-Assad has done. Defend your country - rise up against the regime!”

Other parts of the website further showed small pictures of opposition and military leaders and alleged victims of the Syrian government’s crackdown. It also included links to websites which report on the uprising in the country.

Hours after the hack, the Defense ministry’s website was no longer available and simply showed “the connection to mod.gov.sy was interrupted.”

In mid-March, pro-democracy demonstrations began in Syria and have continued across the country, which has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963. Protesters are demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over from his father in 2000.

Assad previously said that the recent events in the country are a conspiracy against national unity while the Syrian government has repeatedly claimed that the violent acts have been instigated by terrorists who use military uniforms and weaponry to pose as soldiers while attacking citizens.